What to Expect During Your Evaluation

Psychological testing can help answer questions that have felt confusing or difficult to untangle. Whether you're wondering if ADHD explains lifelong struggles with focus, seeking diagnostic clarification, or trying to better understand your strengths and challenges, my goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized answers. Together, we'll develop a clearer understanding of your experiences and identify practical recommendations to help you move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Intake Appointment

We begin with a 55-minute conversation about your concerns, history, and goals for the evaluation. You'll have the opportunity to share your experiences, and I'll ask questions about your development, education, work, relationships, medical and mental health history, and daily functioning.

This information helps me determine which assessment measures will be most useful in answering your referral questions. With your written permission, I may also review previous records or collaborate with other healthcare providers involved in your care.

Although testing is usually the next step, we'll decide together whether a comprehensive evaluation is the most appropriate course of action.

Step 2: Testing Session(s)

Testing is typically completed in one or two focused three-hour sessions, depending on your referral questions and the measures selected. Every evaluation is tailored to your specific concerns rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Breaks are built into each session, and additional breaks are always available if needed. My goal is to create a comfortable testing environment that allows you to perform at your best.

Step 3: Feedback & Written Report

After testing is complete, I carefully integrate the results from your assessment, clinical interview, and any available background information. During your feedback session, we'll review the findings together, discuss what they mean, answer your questions, and talk through practical next steps.

You'll receive a comprehensive written report that includes any relevant diagnoses, an explanation of your results, and individualized recommendations. Reports are typically completed within two to three weeks of your testing session. The report is yours to keep and share with healthcare providers, schools, employers, or anyone else you choose.

Common Reasons Clients Seek an Evaluation

You may benefit from a psychological evaluation if you're asking questions such as:

• Do I have ADHD?
  Determine whether ADHD or another condition best explains difficulties with attention, organization, motivation, or executive functioning.

• Why am I struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation?
  Gain a clearer understanding of how mood, anxiety, personality patterns, or other mental health concerns may be contributing to your symptoms.

• I've received different diagnoses over the years. Which one best fits?
  Clarify complex presentations, including questions such as bipolar disorder versus borderline personality disorder or other overlapping conditions.

• I want a better understanding of how my mind works.
  Identify cognitive, emotional, and personality strengths, challenges, and patterns that can guide treatment and improve day-to-day functioning.

• I need diagnostic clarification before moving forward with treatment, school, or work.
  Receive a comprehensive evaluation with individualized recommendations to help guide next steps and support informed decision making.

Many clients seek testing because they suspect ADHD. While ADHD may ultimately be the diagnosis, the evaluation also considers other factors that can affect attention, motivation, organization, mood, and daily functioning, such as anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and other mental health conditions. The goal is not simply to determine whether you have ADHD, but to understand the factors contributing to your experiences so you leave with clear answers and personalized recommendations, regardless of the diagnosis.

Please note: I do not provide autism spectrum evaluations. If your primary concern is determining whether you are on the Autism Spectrum, I am happy to recommend clinicians who specialize in comprehensive autism assessments.

Ready to get a cost estimate and schedule your intake appointment? Let’s figure this out together. Complete the form below.